Calgary has never shed its "Cowtown" moniker, despite being the largest city in Alberta, the country's oil capital, and one of the most significant economic and financial hubs in North America. Its name, which alludes to the area's lengthy history as the hub of a huge cattle-rearing region, has in reality been extremely valuable to tourist marketers since it evokes romantic notions of cowboys, cattle drives, and an untamed Wild West.
Which is why there are lots of related things to do when you visit this vibrant city, from attending the famous Calgary Stampede each July to visiting the city's pioneer-era Heritage Park (especially fun for families). For those who appreciate gorgeous vistas as well, it is an especially attractive location. In the western horizon, the Rocky Mountains rise from the plain like an impassable barrier.
Due to the close proximity of these mountains and its well-known national parks, Calgary is a fantastic destination for trips that involve skiing, hiking, or sightseeing. Yet there are also several tourist attractions for those looking for entertainment directly in the city. Especially fun at night is crossing the city's large Prince's Island Park and across the renowned Peace Bridge, either before or after having a fantastic meal in the downtown core.
Check out our comprehensive guide to Calgary's best attractions and things to do to help you pack as much as possible into your itinerary.
1. Go to Calgary during the Stampede
The 10-day Calgary Stampede, which has roots dating back to the 1880s and is the summertime high point of Calgary, Alberta, solidifies this city's status as Canada's "Stampede City." This well-known rodeo, dubbed "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," takes place in July and features a variety of cowboy- and rodeo-themed performances and displays.
Therefore, the locals and up to a million tourists alike dress, and blue jeans and vibrantly colored Stetsons become the uniform of the day. A large parade, rodeo contests, exciting chuck wagon races, a real First Nations village, concerts, stage acts, a fun fair, pancake breakfasts, and agricultural displays are among the events.
The festival's permanent location, Stampede Park, is easily accessible by public transportation or by driving, and there is enough parking. One of the best things to do in Calgary is still to visit and take a tour of the city, or perhaps to attend a concert there, even if you are there during the off-season.
2. See Lake Louise and Banff in a single day.
Banff National Park and the town of Banff are unquestionably one of Canada's most picturesque settings, and they are the ideal day excursion from Calgary. While there are several ways to go from Calgary to Banff, having a car—either your own or a rental—might be the ideal choice if you like taking your time and having the freedom to stop whenever the need strikes.
The trip itself is nothing short of stunning, taking in amazing mountain panoramas right after leaving the city, and they didn't let up along the way. It can be driven in under 90 minutes. You'll arrive in the town of Banff, which is the only settlement within the gorgeous Banff National Park, after passing Canmore (which is also a fantastic site to stop for some sightseeing), and after passing through the park's gates. There are many choices for dining and shopping, making it a terrific spot to explore before or after visiting the park.
The sight of Lake Louise, however, will be one of the pleasures of your trip. The ultimate (safe) selfie spot, especially with the handsome Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the background, it's known for its dazzling turquoise waters framed by stunning snowcapped mountains, the tallest reaching heights of over 3,000 meters. It's also a great place to pause and reflect on the magnificence and natural beauty of this region of the world.
Some enjoyable activities at Lake Louise include taking a stroll along the gorgeous lakefront trail, going for a canoe trip, or riding the Lake Louise Gondola to get some fantastic lake views.
3. Bring your kids to the Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo, one of the most popular family attractions in the city and the largest and busiest zoological park in Canada, has roots dating back to 1917. It is located on a 120-acre location on St. George's Island in the Bow River. In addition to having botanical gardens, the zoo is home to over 1,000 creatures from over 272 species, many of which are rare or endangered. Spring is often a fantastic time to come owing to the birth of newborn animals (see the zoo's website for news and details).
The Land of Lemurs, Destination Africa, and the Canadian Wilds are three popular must-see areas. The latter is where you can get up-close views of exotic animals like grizzly bears and the most recent additions, a pair of pandas.
Spending time exploring the six-acre dinosaur attraction's full-size model dinosaurs is another enjoyable activity. See the annual Zoolights Christmas festival here at night if you're traveling in the winter.
4. Visit Heritage Park to learn about Calgary's past.
With a large number of historically accurate structures that have been faithfully recreated and engaging costumed interpreters from four distinct eras, Calgary's Heritage Park is a typical pioneering hamlet. A feature of a visit is riding the ancient steam engine that offers transportation around the park, in addition to displays and structures that range from an 1860 fur-trading fort to a 1930s town square.
Another option is a paddlewheel tour boat, which offers gorgeous cruises across the Glenmore Reservoir and lots of fantastic photo opportunities. Also, the reservoir is a well-liked location for water sports like sailing, canoeing, and rowing.
Make sure to add a little additional time to your Heritage Village agenda so that you can stop by the Gasoline Alley Museum, which is well-known for its interactive, hands-on experiences with unique antique cars.
5. See the Calgary Tower's Views
A glass-floored viewing platform with a rotating restaurant is located at the top of the Calgary Tower, where visitors may experience the exhilarating feeling of being 191 meters above the city in one of its iconic structures.
The tower, which was first built in 1968 and stood as the city's highest building until 1984, continues to provide spectacular views of both the city and the mountains beyond. It is especially lovely at night, when the tower itself is stunningly illuminated.
The tower's enormous torch, which still burns on exceptional occasions, witnessed the Olympic spirit in 1988. A humorous film that is frequently screened in the structure emphasizes the tower's construction.
6. The Canada Olympic Park
The odd-looking WinSport buildings, Calgary Olympic Park's home, rise in the foothills of the mountains to the west of the city. This served as the main venue for the XV Olympic Winter Games in 1988. The hill is still accessible for skiing and snowboarding today, and visitors may also bobsled, zipline, toboggan, ride a snow tube, and mountain bike down the hills and slopes.
There are additional opportunities for indoor ice skating, including organized contests, open sessions, and entertainment for visitors and locals. The Calgary skyline may be seen in its entirety from the top of the ski-jump slope on a guided ski jump tower tour. The park also houses Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
7. Take a Stroll to Prince's Island Park
A sizable 50-acre park, Rince's Island Park is situated to the north of Calgary's central business district. The park, which is located next to the Eau Claire Market and is situated on an island in the Bow River, is frequently visited together with this popular tourist destination.
The park, which is connected to the mainland by three footbridges, features places for walking and biking as well as summertime outdoor performances of plays and concerts. There is a renowned restaurant on the island.
8. Travel by train: The Rocky Mountaineer
Between Calgary or Jasper and Vancouver (the company's headquarters), the award-winning, opulently furnished Rocky Mountaineer rail journey travels westward over the venerable Canadian Pacific line, passing through the towering mountain wall of the Rockies. If the weather is cooperative, you can see the snow-covered Three Sisters, a collection of mountain peaks that provide an absolutely spectacular backdrop to your journey, from Canmore.
The well-known ski resort of Banff is soon reached. There are many alternatives for day trips, including Lake Louise, Kicking Horse Pass, and Rogers Pass are just a few of the other highlights in this alpine region (where peaks reach 3,600 meters). You might split up your journey as well. Stopping over in Banff for a few days of hiking in Banff National Park is a popular choice for those who enjoy the great outdoors.
A word of caution: Regardless of how you decide to approach this enormous rail ride, it's advisable to plan your trip far in advance because it's one of North America's busiest scenic rail journeys.
9. Go out the Glenbow Museum
The Glenbow Museum, which opened in 1966, houses a number of unique exhibits that trace the evolution of Western Canada throughout history. The museum takes visitors back in time as it examines early fur traders' lives, the North West Mounted Police, Louis Riel's Métis rebellion, and the growth of the oil industry. Temporary exhibitions from all around the world are also held at this intriguing museum of art and history. Guided tours and educational events are also provided.
Telus Spark is yet another recommended museum. This outstanding scientific museum offers a wide range of exciting interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, as well as lectures and educational seminars, making it ideal for families to explore together.
10. Studio Bell, the National Music Center
The National Music Centre's home, Studio Bell, in Calgary's East Village neighborhood, debuted its brand-new, cutting-edge space in 2016. The massive building, which has musically-related attractions such the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collection, can be traced back to 1987.
Calgary Offers Activities Throughout the Year, a Rich Pioneer History, and Spectacular Settings. Top Attractions, Festivals, and Outdoor Activities to Enjoy in Stampede City | 21 Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta | The Planet D https://t.co/UtHaPfpcqe pic.twitter.com/1sAOlM5cIS
— Karen-Kay Harrison (@K4Kats) September 5, 2021
A staggering 2,000 music-related artifacts, including many vintage and rare instruments, are housed in this group of institutions. A mobile recording studio that originally belonged to the Rolling Stones and an Elton John piano are two of the major exhibitions.
The structure is quite gorgeous, especially inside, where there are more than 226,000 lovely terra-cotta tiles. Together with its numerous exhibits—many of which are interactive and hands-on—Studio Bell also presents a varied schedule of educational activities and workshops, daily performances, and concerts. There are guided tours available, as well as a fun backstage pass tour where you may try out some of the instruments you see.
11. Fish Creek Provincial Park
Fish Creek Provincial Park, the second-largest urban park in Canada, has an area of around 14 square kilometers. This vast green area in the far south of Calgary is well-known for its numerous pleasant walking routes that wind through forests and alongside a creek, some of which connect to other trails that wind around the city.
For those seeking a taste of nature, Fish Creek Park is ideal because it has been recognized as a natural area. 200 different species of birds have been documented as dwelling here, making it a well-liked location for bird viewing.
Further enjoyable activities include fishing, swimming, riding, and taking a guided nature walk. The park also has a tourist center, a restaurant, and some historic structures that are interesting to explore.
12. Bowness Park
Try to fit a visit to Bowness Park into your Calgary travel itinerary if there is still time for another park outing. This expansive 74-acre urban green area is situated in the northwest corner of the city and is especially well-liked by families. It's a terrific place for picnics, barbecues (fire pits are supplied), or even a fun paddleboat trip in the summer. For the youngsters' enjoyment, there is also a fantastic small train ride.
In the winter, skating is the main form of entertainment, along with the interesting new activity of "ice biking" (yep, it's a bike on skates!). Cross-country skiing, hockey, and curling are further winter sports. While the leaves are changing colors in the fall, it's an extremely lovely area to visit.
13. The Hanger Flight Museum
The history of Canadian aviation, namely in Western Canada, is the main emphasis of the Hanger Flight Museum. The museum was founded by Canadian pilots who served in World War II and has since expanded significantly to feature a wide range of aircraft—at last count, there were 24 planes and helicopters on display here—simulators, aviation art prints, radio equipment, and information on aviation history.
A intriguing exhibit of items and data pertaining to Canada's space programs is also there. The museum is housed in a sizable structure close to Calgary Airport. There is also a wide range of programming offered, including talks, excursions, activities, and movie nights focused on planes.
14. Fort Calgary
At the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers, Fort Calgary, the first outpost of the North West Mounted Police, was built in 1875. The ancient fort's foundations may still be visible, and the Fort Calgary Museum aids in explaining how the city came to be. Deane House, a home built in 1906 for the commandant of the fort, is located on the other side of the bridge.
A gift shop with mementos and RCMP artifacts is also there, as is a movie theater exhibiting relevant films. If you go on a Sunday, get there early to enjoy the facility's well-liked brunch (reservations recommended).
15. The Military Museums,
The history of Canada's army, navy, and air force is examined in this group of military museums. Walking through WWI trenches or operating a ship from a wheelhouse are just two examples of interactive experiences that are emphasized in exhibits.
There are many tanks and other military vehicles on the property, as well as a library that is open to the public. The museum has a gift store on-site and holds lectures and activities all year long.
16. Spruce Meadows
Spruce Meadows, a renowned equestrian complex, welcomes guests all year long to explore the stables, observe show jumping and dressage champions in action, and stroll the lovely grounds.
Spring is when outdoor tournaments are held, and other seasons are when indoor competitions are held. On the 505-acre property, there is a football stadium as well as shops and restaurants.
17. Devonian Gardens
Visitors will discover Devonian Gardens, a flower wonderland, somewhat unexpectedly on the fourth level of the Core Shopping Center. The interior gardens, which span roughly one hectare, have 550 trees, including magnificent tropical palms, as well as sculptures, fish ponds, fountains, and a 900 square foot living wall.
he displays are made up of about 10,000 plants, which survive Calgary's chilly winters by thriving beneath a glass roof. There is a playground on the property. The public is welcome to wander the free Devonian Gardens.